Cricket Records: What the Key Batting and Bowling Numbers Mean
From batting averages to strike rates and economy rates, cricket's statistical records tell the story of the game — if you know how to read them.
Cricket's statistical records are among the most detailed in sport. They span more than 140 years of Test cricket and encompass thousands of matches across multiple formats. Understanding what each record means — and what it does not tell you — is essential to reading the game intelligently.
Batting Average
Batting average is total runs divided by number of dismissals. Not-out innings do not count as dismissals, so a batter who is often unbeaten can have a very high average relative to their actual scores. Don Bradman's Test average of 99.94 is the most famous number in cricket — the next-highest career average among players with 20+ innings is around 62. An average of 40+ in Tests is considered good; 50+ is excellent.
Bowling Average, Strike Rate, and Economy
Bowling average (runs per wicket) measures cost efficiency. Strike rate (balls per wicket) measures how quickly a bowler takes wickets. Economy rate (runs per over) measures containment. A great Test bowler has a low average and a low strike rate. A great limited-overs bowler needs a low economy rate — taking wickets is important but not giving away runs is equally critical in T20 cricket.
Team and Innings Records
The highest team total in Tests is England's 903/7 declared vs Australia at The Oval in 1938. The lowest completed innings is New Zealand's 26 all out vs England in 1955. In ODIs, England hold the record for the highest total: 498/4 vs Netherlands in 2022. These outlier performances reveal the extremes of pitch, conditions, and performance that make cricket so varied.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good batting average in Test cricket?
A batting average of 40+ is considered good in Test cricket; 50+ is excellent. Don Bradman's 99.94 is unmatched — the second-highest career average is around 62. Modern greats like Steve Smith and Virat Kohli average in the high 50s.
Who has scored the most runs in Test cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar of India holds the record with 15,921 runs from 200 Tests. Ricky Ponting (13,378) and Jacques Kallis (13,289) are second and third.